As a concession, closing date for tax filing should be May 4

Dear Editor,

Taxpayers are required to file their tax returns by the statutory date of April 30. This year, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has given an amnesty period with conditions applicable to defaulting taxpayers, which is a great concession.

There will be taxpayers who may not be in a position to meet this deadline but have all the intentions to file. Also, tax preparers who are hard pressed at this point of time to meet this deadline may prefer a few more days. In the circumstances, a suggestion is being made to the Commissioner General of GRA and to officials of the Ministry of Finance, to extend the closing date to May 4, 2018, as a tax filing concession.

Further, taxpayers need assistance from GRA on the preparation of their tax returns. GRA may be providing this service with limited staff but it is not adequately publicized. Hence, for the remaining working days to the tax deadline date, such a service should be provided with adequate staff and if possible, have extended hours beyond 16.30hrs in order to cater for the working public.

Perhaps a deadline extension may result in increased revenue for the government, and also a cordial working relationship amongst all stakeholders.

Yours faithfully,

John Seeram